Braves Push Back Mike Soroka's Spring Debut Due to Injury Suffered During Batting Practice

Braves fans will have to wait to see Mike Soroka throw his first pitch of the season.

Atlanta is playing it safe with the star right-hander and he'll start later in the week after "tweaking his groin" during batting practice.

Folty will start Tuesday against the Twins. Soroka will get his first start later this week. The Braves are giving him a couple extra days because he slightly tweaked his groin while throwing live BP a few days ago.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 23, 2020

The All-Star was an integral part of the Braves' 97-65 campaign in which they finished first in the NL East.

Mike Foltynewicz will take Soroka's spot in the rotation for the time being. Folty finished with a 4.54 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 21 starts last season

Optimistic Braves fans can look at this as a chance for newly-signed Felix Hernandez to get a bigger opportunity in the rotation. Hernandez has had a very strong spring training and the 34-year-old pitcher is looking to secure a spot with the Braves after leaving the Seattle Mariners last season.

King Felix's first strikeout in a @Braves uniform. ? pic.twitter.com/hNpZ1fzvNM
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) February 22, 2020

Braves fans will be keeping tabs on Soroka because their ace's progression ahead of MLB Opening Day will be crucial, but in the meantime they can watch Folty deal a little bit earlier than expected.